Last surviving traditional Teochew mansion opens its doors to public

Key Concepts

• Stuckle Work: A type of lime plaster reinforced with hemp fiber.
• Tio Inlay Technique: A decorative technique used for ceramic shards and figurines.
• Sha Lime: Lime powder produced from burning oyster shells in a kiln.
• Gazetted National Monument: A building protected by law against reconstruction, demolition, or alteration without official approval.
• Authenticity in Conservation: The requirement to use original materials and craftsmanship in restoration.
• Repurposing Heritage Buildings: Adapting old buildings for modern uses while preserving their historical integrity.

Restoration of a Century-Old Mansion in Singapore

This summary details the restoration and public opening of Singapore's last surviving traditional Tio Mansion, a project estimated to have cost over S$100 million. The mansion, built in the 1880s by prominent Chinese merchant Tan Yok Ni, has undergone a three-year restoration to preserve its historical significance and make it accessible to the public.

Architectural Features and Restoration Process

The mansion showcases intricate architectural details, including:

• Stuckle Work: Described as lime plaster reinforced with hemp fiber, this decorative plasterwork is a key feature of the restoration.
• Ceramic Shards and Figurines: The roof incorporates these elements crafted using the Tio inlay technique.
• Wood Carvings: Motifs such as the phoenix and peonies adorn the wood carvings, highlighting the craftsmanship.

The restoration involved approximately 30 experts from Chaozhou, China, who specialized in these traditional crafts. A significant aspect of the restoration was the commitment to authenticity, which necessitated importing original materials from China.

Specific Material Details:

• Lime Plaster: Made from "sha lime," derived from burning oyster shells in a kiln to create lime powder. This lime powder requires a processing period of at least three months before it can be used.

Historical Significance and Ownership

The mansion, built in the 1880s, was gazetted as a national monument in 1974. It stands as one of the last remaining grand mansions constructed by early Tiochu pioneers in Singapore. Throughout its history, it has served various roles, including a family home, a refuge for orphaned girls, and a traditional Chinese medicine hall.

In 2022, the Kareem Family Foundation acquired the property for a sum between S$8 million and S$9.2 million. Restoration work commenced in the following year.

Repurposing for Public Engagement

The restoration project aims to not only preserve the heritage but also to engage the public with the building. While the main space will function as an office, other areas like the banquet hall and main hall have been repurposed for events, allowing people to experience the mansion.

Law Minister Edwin Tong emphasized the importance of arts philanthropy and the idea that heritage should be dynamic, not static. He stated, "Spaces like this house show us that history, art, community, they're not separate precepts. They're not separate concepts, but they can come closely together, intertwined, shaping a shared future where heritage is not just preserved as, as I said, the monument, but a space to be engaged with and to experience."

Honoring the Original Owners

The legacy of the original owners is acknowledged through a gallery showcasing the ancestry and identity of the Tan family, curated by Tan Yok Ni's great-great-grandson.

National Monuments in Singapore

Singapore has a total of 76 gazetted national monuments, considered integral to the nation's built heritage. The first buildings gazetted in 1973 included places of worship like the Hija Haja Fatima Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple, and St. Andrew's Cathedral. Other notable gazetted sites include Raffles Hotel, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and the Padang. The former Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) is the most recent addition.

Gazetted buildings are legally protected against reconstruction, demolition, or alteration without official approval.

Challenges and Opportunities in Monument Conservation

Professor Ho Pu Ping, Head of the Department of Architecture at NUS and UNESCO Chair on Architectural Heritage Conservation and Management in Asia, discussed the challenges and significance of conserving national monuments.

Significance of National Monuments:

• National Heritage: They represent the nation's heritage and achievements.
• Identity Markers: They are crucial for national identity, connecting the past, present, and future.
• Historical Narrative: They embody the experiences of the nation and its forefathers, including Chinese migrants and foreign settlers.

Difficulties in Authentic Conservation:

• High Standard of Authenticity: Requires meticulous research, including chemical testing and material analysis, to replicate original compositions.
• Authentic Materials: Sourcing and recreating materials like the specific type of lime plaster used over a century ago is challenging.
• Craftsmanship: The intricate craftsmanship, such as the Tio wood carving, requires highly skilled artisans. Professor Ho noted that Singapore lacks such specialized craftsmen, necessitating the import of 30 experts from Chaozhou.
• Private Ownership: The significant financial investment, time, and effort required from private owners to restore heritage buildings to their authentic state is a considerable challenge.

Balancing Authenticity with Modern Use:

Professor Ho addressed the challenge of repurposing heritage buildings for modern purposes. He highlighted that while authenticity is paramount, these buildings must also be fit for contemporary use. For the Tio Mansion, the proposed use as a restaurant and gallery spaces is considered "perfect" as it allows public engagement without intruding on the building's authenticity. The key is to find "compatible use" that does not diminish the building's significance.

Conclusion

The restoration of the Tio Mansion exemplifies a successful approach to heritage conservation in Singapore. It underscores the importance of meticulous attention to authenticity in materials and craftsmanship, the necessity of specialized expertise, and the crucial role of private ownership and philanthropic efforts. By repurposing the mansion for public events and cultural engagement, the project ensures that this historical landmark remains a vibrant part of Singapore's living heritage, connecting present generations with their past.